The Veterans’
Court Initiative is an innovative program to assist veterans who may have
involvement with law enforcement or the courts. We hope to reach all
veterans involved with the courts to insure that they are aware of what
help is available to them through federal, state and local veteran and
community programs; and to assist them in
applying for appropriate programs.

This
process involves a “mentor,” who is also a veteran, to work with, guide
and encourage the veteran to accept help. If the veteran cooperates with
his or her assigned mentor and makes progress on the issues that may have
led to the legal problems, the court will be so informed and full
consideration will be given by the court to any positive changes the
veteran has made in his or her life. This is not
a “get out of jail free” card: veterans will need to sincerely seek and
accept assistance, and take responsibility for
making changes….

Please
consider applying to be a mentor if you’re a veteran from the La Crosse
community. A lot of veterans found military service to be a positive
factor in their lives. But for a lot of veterans their combat service,
repeated deployments, personal assaults, alcohol or drug abuse or other
troubling incidents may be making the adjustment back to civilian life
difficult. Mentors are here to assist if the veteran is willing to accept help.

To be a
part of the program by volunteering to be a mentor, you may help turn
someone’s life around; help keep a family together; feel good about
“giving back” to your community. We need veteran men and women who want
to make a difference.

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For more information or to apply to be a Veteran Mentor,
please call the County Veterans Service Office for an application:
608-785-9719.